Sociology Optional (APSC Mains) (Note : Word count used is deliberately increased so that the reader can collect more information and insight) Word Count: 150 Section B What do you mean by Westernization? How is it related to Sanskritization? Westernization refers to all cultural changes and institutional innovations in India as thi tions country came into political and cultural contract with the western nz especially British.Westernization include establishment of scientific, technological and educational institutions, rise of nationalism, new political culture and leadership in the country. The influence of westernization on India society include; Influence on caste system. Disintegration of Joint family. Number of social reform movements. Disintegration of cottage industries. Variety in cultivation. New measures in land management. Democratic values and ideas were promoted. Social justice and uniform administrative system developed. M.N.Srini expressed that westernization and sanskritization were going together. He emphasized the same from the following; Westernization improved communication and technology; it hastened the process of Sanskritization through religious propaganda and caste and communal congregation. Higher castes gave up traditional customs and adopted the life style of the westerns, Lower castes aspiring for higher status filled the higher caste vacuum through Sanskritization. It was observed that the higher caste pethaps to maintain the social distance between themselves and the lower castes they have adopted the life style of western s. By the time the lower caste reached their destiny through Sanskritization, the upper caste have vacated that place through westernization. However, aspiting sections of lower castes in towns and cities are going straight to westernization.